CalArts vs. Rochester University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA with Rochester University in Rochester Hills, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Institute of the Arts is larger than Rochester University based on total student enrollment (1,277 students vs. 1,193 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of the Arts is located in Valencia, CA (Midsize Suburban setting); Rochester University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• California Institute of the Arts is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of the Arts 7:1; Rochester University 13:1.

CalArts vs. Rochester University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CalArts or Rochester University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Rochester University than CalArts ($21,611 vs. $56,239).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester University are 25.8% lower than at California Institute of the Arts ($10,486 vs. $14,134).
• California Institute of the Arts is 102.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rochester University (about $29,800 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.1% higher at CalArts than at Rochester University (about $29,800 more per year; $58,996.00 vs. $29,196.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester University than at California Institute of the Arts (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of the Arts students is 8.9% larger than aid received by Rochester University students ($21,416 vs. $19,674).

CalArts vs. Rochester University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CalArts or Rochester University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Rochester University and CalArts.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRochester University 840/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRochester University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CalArts - Test-free; Rochester University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CalArts Jan 5, 2027.
• Rochester University has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than CalArts (32.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.9% at CalArts vs. 22.2% at Rochester University.

CalArts vs. Rochester University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CalArts and Rochester University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California Institute of the Arts's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Rochester University's (42%).
• Graduates from California Institute of the Arts earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Rochester University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $38,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rochester University graduates have a $4,097 lower median loan debt than CalArts graduates ($24,403 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Rochester University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CalArts graduates ($252 vs. $294).
• More CalArts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rochester University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 45%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.